Abstract: Salt Movement (Halokinetics) in North Louisiana

Donald H. Kupfer, Clifford T. Crowe, John M. Hessenbruch

Isopach studies from electric-log data in the northwestern Louisiana salt basin confirm that marked changes in rates and style of deformation occurred at the end of the Jurassic, and in the Early Cretaceous and Eocene. Assuming that salt is the tectonic agent, rates of movement can be estimated. Changes in the style, volume, and rate of salt diapirism with time are based on the position and growth factor of each rim syncline (arranged concentrically and converging upward) on growth faulting, folding patterns, and stock size. The time sequence is horizontal migration into pillows, mixed movement into stocks, cylindrical-vertical rise, and finally stagnation with compaction.

Rates of linear salt movement appear to have reached a maximum in the Early Cretaceous. Volumetric movements showed a continual decline after the first buildup. Although post-Eocene strata are missing and the movement must be inferred, it probably was inconsequential.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90975©1976 GCAGS- GC Section SEPM Annual Meeting Shreveport, Louisiana